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Thursday, October 06, 2016

Etihad Airways Celebrates World Animal Day #Etihad4wildlife

Etihad
Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has launched a new Animal Welfare and
Conservation Policy and an #Etihad4wildlife social media competition as part of
the airline's ongoing efforts to promote wildlife conservation.

The
policy establishes best practice for excursions offered by Etihad Holidays
involving animals, and also outlines new criteria for the carriage of
endangered and threatened species, hunting trophies containing any animal
parts, shark fins and live animals intended for use in scientific research,
which will not be permitted on aircraft. The policy also sets out commitments
to the Declaration of the United for Wildlife International Taskforce on the
Transportation of Illegal Wildlife Products, to which Etihad Airways became a
signatory in March 2016 at an official ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Six
equity partner airlines followed suit in April and June to support efforts to prevent
the growing trade in wildlife products.

To
mark World Animal Day, Etihad Airways is running a social media competition
until 6 October, to win a trip to Sri Lanka, including flights, hotels, tours
and transfers. To be in with a chance of winning, entrants should share their
best travel photos of animals in the wild using the #Etihad4wildlife hashtag on
Instagram and Twitter.

Peter
Baumgartner, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Our airline is
committed to the welfare and protection of wildlife. Our new policy has been
developed over several months to minimize our ‘animal footprint’ and will
ensure that we continue to meet the highest standards of animal welfare. By
hosting the #Etihad4Wildlife campaign online, we also hope to raise awareness
among our guests of the important issue of wildlife conservation.”

On
10 October, Etihad Airways will host a discussion on wildlife within the
airline industry with Will Travers OBE, President of the Born Free Foundation
and internationally renowned wildlife expert. The Born Free Foundation has
provided technical assistance in developing the airline’s new policy by
offering best practice criteria on holiday activities that involve viewing or
interacting with animals. Etihad Holidays has reviewed its offerings in
accordance with the Association of British Travel Agents’ (ABTA) Global Welfare
Guidance of Animals in Tourism.

In
addition, the airline is supporting the Born Free Foundation’s Travelers’
Animal Alert – an online tool that gives holiday-makers around the world an
opportunity to raise concerns about any cases of animal suffering encountered
on their trips. Guests who wish to support the charity in the air can purchase
a bracelet, featuring a silver African lion charm, or donate their Etihad Guest
Miles when on the ground.